Quilting thread
 

Is quilting thread used on a sewing machine to quilt with or only when you are quilting by hand?
I have always used regular sewing thread on my machine when quilting, but I got to wondering about quilting thread and thought I would ask the experts when they used it and why. So, experts, please tell all. Thanks.

There are a couple different kinds- the one labeled Hand quilting only is just that Hand only it has a "wax type" covering so not good for the sewing machine - the other just quilting thread can be used either way is my understanding

Is rayon a no no because of lack of strength?

Mettler 40 wt. thread is considered hand quilting thread (usually waxed by the quilter at the project), but is also used in the machine without problem.

Jan in VA

Yes, it tends to fray easier than other threads. It is also can be less colourfast. I have not had any trouble with it but I only use it on smaller projects and not quilts.

I went to a thread seminar given by a rep from Y...(can't remember, but three letters starting with Y) and she showcased her brand of threads but then said to use whatever your machine and you like. I tend to use cheap coats and clark thread because it doesn't bother my machine (dinky mechanical Brother, walmart quality) and I get nice results.

When you put an embroidery design on a bathroom towel it is not unusual for an elaborate design to have 30,000 or 40,000 stitches and most of the thread is rayon or poly. Then the towel can be washed every week or two or more often depending on usage. I have towels that I have washed like this for two years now without seeing any change in the thread. I'm surprised that the synthethic thread is considered not "good" for quilts by some. I can see where the shine of the thread might be a design consideration- matte or gloss thread stitches- but the strength issue surprises me. Poly is the stuff that is put in our tires to make them stronger; it is what provides the strength for duct tape. Why would it be weak in thread? These are honest questions, not defenses of poly or rayon. Just wanting to understand why poly and rayon are strong in other places but not in quilting.

In response to a question about what thread she uses, Leah Day (the "Free Motion Quilting Project" gal) has an interesting post here about why she uses only Isacord polyester thread for quilting...

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...ead-story.html

But, like everyone else, she suggests you try different brands and types to see what you and your machine prefer.

I prefer to use connecting threads essentials for quilting....for piecing I use whatever is in my thread drawer (and whatever color as it normally doesn't show).